Billy Corgan has insisted that he receives a great deal of scrutiny for performing under the name Smashing Pumpkins, despite being the only original member.

The musician claimed that it isn't fair for him to receive criticism when bands such as Nine Inch Nails or Hole continue to produce music with only one or two original band members.

He told The Seattle Times: "I'm as happy as I've been in the Smashing Pumpkins since 1996. Why isn't that important? Why doesn't U2 retire? Haven't they made enough money? Why are the Rolling Stones still on tour? There's only Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards.

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"Why don't they retire? I don't understand. What's the difference? If people wanna play and people wanna go, what does it f**king matter?"

Corgan recently claimed that his music is still relevant and that he still has a lot to prove.